By: The Division of Communications & Advancement

Rhodes University’s Autumn Graduation Week was not just a celebration of academic achievement but a tribute to the resilience, dedication, and success of its broader community – including students, staff, and families. Among those who crossed the stage were SRC members and colleagues whose perseverance was celebrated with great institutional pride. The week was filled with stories of triumph and inspiration.

AWARDS

• Professor Alan Kirkaldy (History, Faculty of Humanities) – Vice-Chancellor’s Award for his book Everyday Communists in South Africa’s Liberation Struggle: The Lives of Ivan and Lesley Schermbrucker (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022).
• Associate Professor Ryan Wasserman (Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science) – Distinguished Teaching Award (≤10 years’ experience).
• Associate Professor Lausanne Olvitt (Secondary and Post-School Education, Faculty of Education) – Senior Distinguished Teaching Award (2024).
• Professor Brad Ripley (Botany, Faculty of Science) – Distinguished Senior Research Award (2024).
• Professor Dane Brown (Computer Science, Faculty of Science) – Distinguished Research Award.
• Professor Sam Naidu – Community Engagement Award (2024).

PARENTAL & FAMILY HOODINGS

One of the most heartfelt traditions of Graduation Week is the family hooding ceremony. This year, the following individuals were honoured with the opportunity to step in for the Registrar and personally hood their loved ones: Ms Jenny Bovey, Professor Shadrack Nsengiyumva, Mr Lyle Titus, Professor Patrice Mwepu, Professor Louise Vincent, Professor Callie Grant, Mr Garth van Heerden, Professor Arthur Mukenge, Ms Luleka Keep, Dr Alyssa Williams, Dr Lois Anguria, Ms Rene Zimmerman, Ms Melanie Jattiem, Ms Jay Pillay, Mr Ronaldo Burger, Mr Gareth Dampies, Ms Sharmla Gangiah, Ms Charmaine Avery, Advocate Craig Renaud, and Ms Sisonke Mawonga.

This cherished tradition captured the spirit of togetherness and mutual achievement that defines Rhodes University.

HONORARY DOCTORATES

This year’s recipients of honorary doctorates were celebrated for their profound contributions to literature, education, social justice, and law:

• Ms Tsitsi Dangarembga.
• Emeritus Professor Kwesi Kwaa Prah.
• Advocate Paul Pretorius.
• Mrs Eugenia Mbekeni.

GIVING BACK

Staff members were not only celebrating family successes – they were also making a tangible difference, such as Dr Mandy Hlengwa. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela continues to lead by example, donating a portion of his monthly salary to help clear student debt. Join him in making a difference. Support Rhodes University and help transform a student’s future through access to quality education.